A trabecular micro-bypass stent combined with phacoemulsification efficiently reduces intraocular pressure in open angle glaucoma in Mexican population

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the second most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. First choice treatment is the use of topical hypotensives, and surgery is the gold standard. However, there are several associated complications. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries require less surgical manipulation and are generally safer. Trabecular microbypass stent devices allow a decreased resistance to the the aqueous humor outflow and a subsequent reduction in intraocular pressure. PURPOSE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a trabecular micro-bypass stent (_iStent_) combined with cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) in subjects with mild to moderate open angle glaucoma. METHODS: A clinical trial was performed at Mexico’s Hospital Central Militar. The intervention was the implantation of a trabecular micro-bypass stent combined with phacoemulsification. 23 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the trial. Intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, visual field functional study, and the use of hypotensive drugs were documented, and the patients were divided into two random groups, one underwent cataract surgery and the other underwent cataract surgery plus a trabecular mycrobypass stent implantation. RESULTS: iStent implantation was well tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction in intraocular pressure and the use of topical hypotensive drugs after one year of surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of the iStent combined with phacoemulsification results in a sustained hypotensive effect in Mexican patients diagnosed with open angle glaucoma.